Head Coach Karen Lange picked up her first career victory as the Pioneers defeated Ottawa 77-59 on Tuesday. The game was tight early, but the Pioneers opened it up with a 10-1 run to take an 11-point lead with 8 minutes remaining in the first half. MNU kept a double-digit lead for most of the half with solid defensive pressure and great free throw shooting. The Pioneers went 10-12 from the charity stripe in the first half as they took a 17-point lead to the locker room.
The second half was more of the same as MNU continued to keep the Braves at bay. The Pioneers went 13-15 from the line while maintaining their double-digit lead most of the way. Ottawa was able to put a 9-0 run together to get as close as 7 points, but MNU answered with a 10-0 run of their own to seal the game.
Kassidy Ritchel had a game-high 19 points and 13 rebounds.
Rachel Boan added 18 points and 4 assists.
Kiley Herold reached double figures with 11 points as she grabbed 6 rebounds. And
Navia Palu contributed 8 points to go along with a game-high 5 assists.
The Pioneers are 1-0. The next game is Thursday at home vs. Point Loma Nazarene (0-0) at 7:00 at the
Tip-Off Classic.
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